The 1953-54 and 1954-55 Saint Francis men’s basketball teams are commonly referred to as “The Stokes Teams”. Legendary player and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Maurice Stokes was the unquestioned leader of those squads under the direction of head coach Dr. Williams “Skip” Hughes, but the team chemistry and overall talent level of these two squads propelled Saint Francis men’s basketball into the national spotlight.
The Stokes Teams were the first two Saint Francis men’s basketball teams to play in the National Invitation Tournament, which was then the most prestigious tournament in college basketball, at world-renowned Madison Square Garden. The Stokes Teams put “The College Among The Pines” on the national map with two of the most amazing small-school seasons in collegiate basketball history. The two teams combined for a two-year record of 42-15, including wins over several national powers.
The Frankies finished 21-6 that season behind a very talented team that emphasized unselfish play leading to historical success for Saint Francis. Led by Stokes, for whom the Stokes Center is names. The Frankies advanced to the 1954 NIT quarterfinals. He tallied 34 points in that year's win over Brigham Young, and set a national record with 689 rebounds, which he surpassed with 726 during the 1954-55 campaign. Stokes averaged 23.1 ppg and 26.5 rpg during the season. His 26.5 rpg still ranks fifth all-time in the NCAA record books.
Saint Francis College is proud to honor The Stokes Teams with induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame on this date, Saturday, November 17, 2007.
Head coach Dr. William “Skip” Hughes
Maurice Stokes (23.1ppg, 26.5rpg)
Edward W. Dugan (14.1ppg, 7.1rpg)
Frank Puschauver (9.1ppg, 4.7rpg)
Eugene Phelps (8.6ppg, 4.0rpg)
Emil Wandishin (7.9ppg, 4.4rpg)
William Saller (7.3ppg, 5.2rpg)
Pat Farace (4.8ppg, 1.1rpg)
Robert Watro (4.1ppg, 3.8rpg)
Walter Milinski (3.7ppg, 1.6rpg)
Tom Wrabel (2.4ppg, 0.8rpg)
Robert Ford (1.9ppg, 2.7rpg)
John Novalessi (1.8ppg, 1.3rpg)
Ronald Muffie (1.6ppg, 0.4rpg)
Rbobert Giardina (1.4ppg, 0.8rpg)
Team Manager: Charlie Trusk
